Amber Strunk
Amber Strunk is the Education and Outreach Lead for LIGO Hanford Observatory as well as the Director of Communication and Education for Cosmic Explorer. She enjoys sharing the fascinating physics, engineering, and technology necessary to detect gravitational waves. In addition, as a member of the future gravitational wave detector, Cosmic Explorer, she works closely with communities to build relationships and ensure site selection is done respectfully, responsibly, and in consultation with those most impacted. In her role at LIGO, she is most proud of leading the effort to realize the observatories long-time goal of a hands-on science center at the LIGO Hanford Observatory. Opened in 2022, The LIGO Exploration Center welcomes thousands of local and international students, teachers, and visitors every year.
Before joining the gravitational wave community, Amber taught high school physics for seven years and was recognized as Arizona High School Science Teacher of the Year in 2015. She received an undergraduate degree in Physics from Fort Hays State University before pursuing a Master of Education from Arizona State University. In her spare time, she relaxes by making - from woodworking to crochet, she enjoys the process and challenges of creating.
